Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Is the Sky Falling?

After the dust has settled, the US health Plan is becoming law. We've followed it for months now.

It's arguably the most progressive legislation since the Civil Rights Act and Medicare, during LBJ's administration. And the screamers are in full cry against it. They want to see it fail.

And guess what? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina CEO Brad Wilson, says that he hopes Congress will go even further--- by acting to hold down rising health care costs. Wilson says those costs are driving insurance premiums higher.

That's right--- the head of North Carolina's largest health insurance company sees Washington's overhaul of the health insurance landscape as a positive step!

Surprised? If even Blue Cross thinks its a good plan, maybe the screamers are wrong?

Let's take an overall look... not just the propaganda of raving pundit-speak, but facts, with credible sources following the facts..........

{{{{{{ TEN THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM}}}}

1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.

2. Health insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions—or to drop coverage when people become sick.

3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.

4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.

5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance—paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.

6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for their prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.

7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more than 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.

8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an additional 16 million low-income people.

9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families' insurance plans until age 26.

10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

So, maybe the screamers are wrong--- the sky isn't falling after all?

Maybe, in fact, a falling sky has been propped up by the health plan?

Think of the nation as one biosphere of humanity--- a vast petri dish in which disease can spread--- and you will realize that all of us, ALL are affected by the many many vectors that impact any of us.

We're all in this together. So if we pull together, to make the plan work, its for the common good.